Fougasse is French for focaccia. I wanted to make something that was heart-shaped, but not pink or chocolate, or sweet. Normally, these are leaf-shaped, but I decided to turn them around, literally, to make heart-shaped ones. I forgot to prick them all over with a fork before baking, which I suspect is why they look slightly puffy. They are best eaten on the same day they are made. This is based on a recipe from The Overflowing Pantry

ingredients:

1 2/3 cups warm water (about 110 degrees F)
1 3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
4 cups AP flour
1 1/4 tsp sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
1/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped olives
1 Tablespoon dried herbs of choice (I used dried thyme and oregano)
2 teaspoons water

method:

1. In small bowl, place the 2/3 cup warm water and add the sugar and yeast. Stir and leave lone to proof, about 5minutes, until foamy.

2. Combine flour and salt in a bowl and use a whisk to blend together. In stand mixer fitted with flat paddle add the flour/salt mixture and add the yeast water, plus 1 cup warm water, 1/4 cup olive oil and mix until combined.

3. Switch to bread hook and beat for 10 minutes, or until the dough clears the sides of the bowl. It is okay for the dough to be sticky. Add the olives, herbs, and mix for 1-2 minutes.

4. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough into it, turning the dough to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in a warm place until the dough doubles in volume, 1 to 2 hours, depending on how warm the room is.

5. Punch down the dough to get rid of excess air, shape back into a ball and refrigerate it for at least 6  hours, or overnight.

6. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, punch it down, and divide it in  half. Turn out one onto a floured surface and, with flour on rolling pin and top of dough, roll the dough into a heart shape that’s about 12 inches by 8 inches. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silpat.

7. Using a razor blade or sharp knife, cut about 3 slashes on each side of the heart, in a downward angle towards the center of the heart, about 2-3 inches. Add one or two slashes down the middle. With your fingers, gently push and pull  the slashes open, tugging the dough a little as you go. Try to get the  holes to open to about an inch wide.

8. Repeat with the second piece of dough on a second baking sheet (or cover  that portion and return it to the refrigerator to bake later).

9. Cover the dough with plastic or a dish towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.

10. Position the racks to divide the oven into thirds and preheat the oven  to 450°F. (If you’re baking just 1 bread, bake it on the lower or middle  rack.)

11. Mix the remaining tablespoon of olive oil with 2 teaspoons  water in a small cup. Prick the dough all over with a fork and, with a  pastry brush, lightly coat the dough surface with the oil and water mixture.  Sprinkle the bread all over with sea salt.

12. Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate  the sheets from top to bottom and front to back and bake for another 8  to 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden—it won’t get too dark.  Transfer the fougasse to a cooling rack and let rest for at least 10 to  15 minutes before serving.